Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra perfected their tailoring skills at a young age and their spring 2013 collection exemplified their talent.

The designs were restrained to an earthly palate of olives, browns and beiges. Costello and Tagliapietra used a technique called AirDye, a process that dyesfabric without using water and can imprint a pattern on one or both sides of a fabric. The overall effect swirls of organic paint. Pops of vibrant orange and blue added some much needed contrast to the neutral tones of the designs.

This season the pair demonstrated the importance of having shapes and silhouettes that flatter the body with pieces that were the same print but in varying cuts and silhouettes.  A chiffon dress inspired by a paint canvas was shown twice in the collection, but two different shapes. One was a short sleeve, streamlined dress that hugged the body and the other had ruffled ruching throughout the dress. Each design had a unique style showcasing either an open cut, the gathering of fabric in the back or a simple wrap style with a twist in the front.

Spotted in the audience: Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador-at –large at Barney’s, Kate Lanphear, Style Director of Elle

Neela Qadir is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected]